most wanted: bicycles

THESE bikes became my babies during a recent trip to visit family in Poland. After the amount of force feeding I underwent over the Easter period whilst visiting an array of relatives both close and distant, my body was in need of health kick and these beautiful bicycles were to be my aid. 

(Not that I'm complaining about the taste sessions by the way, it's just that I would like to have a little bit of a say in quite how much actually enters my stomach before it bursts into smithereens!)

Both of these bikes were bought from markets in Poland for a fraction of the price of those on sale in London from those riding the 'I'd-like-to-ride-a-trendy-vintage-bike' wave. I would seriously consider shipping one of these over my way if it weren't for the fact that there is a very slim chance that they would see any use in my day-to-day life.

And it would be a shame to not use these magical rides. As soon as you sit upon the leather saddle, and grip on to the neat little handlebars, you feel your posture straighten and eyes look up to observe the scenery that you cycle past. You feel as though you have stepped back in time, to an era when leisurely bike rides through cobbled streets and luscious countryside were the order of a sunny day, made complete only when accompanied by a giant wicker picnic basket brimming with all the treats you could dream of.

The idyll may sound twee and a million miles away from the reality of city life, but still, I want one of these bicycles baaaaadddd......

most wanted: Prada stripes

I MAY have already seen a few new season fashion faux pas since the sun has emerged from it's cloudy enclave (think 'stripe / midi-length / ballerina' combo's with a bit of colour blocking thrown in for good measure) but it's not going to stop me from sticking steadfastly to my love of stripes. And if money was no object then Prada's contributions to this particular Spring / Summer trend would definitely play a part in my wardrobe.  Their bold colours, varying widths, feminine details and playful mixing with exotic prints all make for stripes that put a smile on your face and spring in your step.

most wanted: living and eating by john pawson / annie bell

THE idea of an architect renowned for his minimalist approach collaborating  with someone to create a cookbook may, in some, invoke fear. Fear that it will produce a tome of never-in-your-wildest-dreams-will-you-ever-be-able-to-recreate-them recipes accompanied by stunning images of dishes akin to mini installations, more likely to  induce tummy-rumbling than salivating.

The good news is that in this instance it was not the case. The bad news is that you may have to part with up to £150 to have the pleasure of owning the result.

 

Living and Eating is not a new publication; it was released a decade ago. I discovered it on Pawson's website, perusing it upon learning that a major exhibition of his work was in its final weeks at the Design Museum. 

What has excited me is the book's concept. Pawson's affinity with simplicity has here been applied with the intention of distilling the cooking/eating process into one of pure pleasure. From the design of the kitchen and utensils used, through to the making and serving of recipes listed, attention to detail has been identified as the key to enjoyable living and eating. Not in a fastidious manner, but purely working on the notion that consideration should be given to what really matters, dispensing with the unnecessary and the distracting.

I knew that this was my kind of book when the introduction commented on four key elements to consider when preparing a dish: texture, taste, fragrance, temperature. Highlighting texture as often being the most neglected. 

Yet Pawson and Bell are not suggesting that you be mindful of these aspects only when attempting complex meals. Instead, Living and Eating is filled with recipes that are not labour intensive, and many of which are sure to have featured on your dinner table at some point. If you're looking for guidance on top quality and stress-free cooking, eating and entertaining then this is the book for you. 

And if you have ever mused upon the varying properties of stainless steel, aluminum, copper and cast-iron saucepans, then this is also the book for you.

most wanted: to live closer to Dotori

SUNDAY night I was subject to a real treat. They're never great (Sunday nights, not treats) and so to receive a belated birthday present of dinner at Dotori in Finsbury Park was a welcome distraction from the Monday morning looming ahead.

For my diner and I it used to be Monday nights that, whenever possible, were our guilty pleasure: splashing our limited student budget on half price sushi at Brighton's Moshi Moshi. It never failed to amaze us how indulgently we could dine on sushi for only £10 a head. 

Now in London though, I think we may have found our substitute. And it is most definitely an upgrade.

Dotori is a Korean/Japanese restaurant, whose one small room I discovered full to the brim  with diners and overflowing with take-away custom too. Considering that it was a Sunday night I took this as a very good sign. Hurrying in to this haven of warmth on a bitterly cold night I was relieved to find that my friend - having been there before - had had the foresight to book. 

The aroma of Asian spices that hit the senses upon entry wrought havoc on my already rumbling stomach. And the steaming earthenware dishes that were being served up all around me were almost too much to handle. 

We opted for a couple of our sushi favourites to begin with. The crunch roll - tempura prawns and avocado - was amazing value for money and delicious too, with an unusual crunchy coating alongside the usual envelopment of sesame seeds. Following this we ordered a spicy seafood broth and kimchi pork stew. 

But it was the crispy salmon skin maki that stole the show. Upon ordering the waiter warned us that this dish may take a short while to arrive; yet another very good sign. And it was worth the wait. For £2.80 - yes, that's all - 8 pieces of the crispiest skin wrapped in rice and seaweed arrived at our table. The value was unbelievable. And the taste divine.

So, the food was a winner. And the price a steal, especially considering we were filled to bursting point with the freshest of dishes. It's not claiming to be a 5 star destination, simply great homemade food in a relaxed environment. And I already know what I will be ordering on my next visit: the couple next to us were served a mouthwatering plate of beef to be eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves, and the sushi platters looked generous to say the least. 

I only wish I lived closer to Dotori. I envy the locals. Though perhaps that would be dangerous as I can see myself thinking of any excuse to pop in, even just for a quick take-away...

most wanted: colour

FOR those of us living in towns and cities a colourful Autumn may not be the first thing that springs to mind. If you're lucky enough to encounter trees then hopefully you have been treated to a marvellous display of fiery reds, burnt ambers, vivid yellows and all that's in between. But if -  especially in the ever fleeting daylight - you are not one of the lucky ones, here are some potential injections of colour to your everday life. 

diem chau - carved craoyola crayons

yunyeen yong - jooze



rainbow lunch

most wanted: Above Magazine

IT may be considered un-P.C. to reveal, but I must admit that I have never really been one of those whose conscience is heavily weighted with concern for environmental matters, or whose actions are undertaken following rules of eco-friendly living. Unfortunately, associations in my mind between those who choose to crusade for 'saving the environment' and dread-locked hippies shrouded in body-odour still pop up from time to time.  This is wrong. And untrue. I know this. And my discovery last summer of Above Magazine contributed to some extent in changing that. 

 

 

 

Above Magazine is laden full of jaw-droppingly beautiful images, amongst text that is informative and thought provoking. It makes you appreciate the fragility of the magnificent world that we inhabit. And, without preaching, it utilises tools such as photography, design and architecture to make the reader consider the reality of sustainable living, the possibility that it may not have to be as mundane as one would expect. 

Every issue so far has impressed me in the way that it smoothly walks the line between ethics and aesthetics. There is something for everyone - male or female - whether it be art or fashion, celebrity or the 'ordinary'. One thing that unites all subjects though, in their plight for respect towards the earth, is beauty. As the magazine itself quotes in its mission: "beauty will save the world". 

I have found it near impossible to select images that best sum up this wonderful publication, and so I urge you to visit its site; and of course to buy the magazine, with a new issue being out now! 

most wanted: Soup Spoon

GENIUS. This is how all soup spoons should be. Part ladle, part regular rounded soup spoon (plus light to hold) - it is a prime example of effective ergonomic design; allowing you to enjoy your soup in style, with minimum risk of accidental spillages.

most wanted: Refridgerator

AS I reached that magnificently awful time when a cash machine was no longer a place from which I could withdraw any funds - due to the lack of them - a friend of mine shone a light at the end of the tunnel by offering me a weeks work temping as a receptionist at her office. After a brief consideration of the pros and cons (pros being: a cash machine finally fulfilling its purpose again, con being: a week enduring the reality of a mundane 9-5 office job) I took the plunge and entered the world of the office. 

And how pleasantly surprised I was.

This was no ordinary office. Down a tree lined drive an old white manor house (of sorts) appears. Inside, there are original wooden floors, a sweeping staircase, large rustic wooden desks and dogs pottering around whilst their owners are busy at work. In addition to this, a beautiful kitchen/dining area full of rustic charm is not only the home to a wonderful Irish chef who prepares a delicious lunch each day, but is also the home of this fantastic fridge:

At first glance I thought of it as nothing more than a charming cupboard, probably full of crockery. Not so. Puzzled by someone rooting around inside for quite a while, I was much more surprised to find that they emerged holding a bottle of milk.

I want one of these. Badly. I have no idea where to find one, but I fear that my future home will not be complete without a fridge like this.

And so, on top of the replenishment of funds - and my new found love for a fridge - the predicted cons of the week became obsolete. The office environment was not a depressing maze of fluorescent lit cubicles, the days did not pass monotonously (due to the brilliant company of those I worked with) and, most importantly, each afternoon seemed to be punctuated with 'cake time' owing to a birthday, or two, or three. I will hopefully be returning. All fingers and toes crossed.

most wanted: Telephone

MOST wanted. A little ray of sunshine for those all too rare landline calls.